"The Metropolitan Transit Authority has once again misstepped in approving a plan that digs deeper into the pockets of straphangers and motorists. I am greatly disappointed by the MTA Board’s vote to increase the base fare for those who travel our subways, buses and bridges. As I said when I spoke at the Brooklyn MTA fare hearing, we are again being asked to pay more to travel throughout our City. I encourage transit riders to strongly look into the bonus and discount plans that are available so that they can get more, dollar for dollar, in transportation services.

However, I am encouraged by the discussion before today’s vote among the Metropolitan Transit Authority Board members that continued to recognize the need to restore many of the 2010 service cuts. We have had some success in seeing service restored, but you can guarantee that I will be fighting for what we are still without across my district almost five years later."